Schalke sign Swiss midfielder Barnetta

Berlin, July 4 : German Bundesliga side, Schalke secured Swiss international midfielder, Tranquillo Barnetta on a free transfer until 2015, the football club website states.

The 27-year-old Swiss, transferred from league rivals, Bayer Leverkusen, will receive jersey No.27 at Schalke, reports Xinhua.

“We are delighted that Tranquillo has chosen us. He has enormous qualities and is very versatile. Importantly, we had the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer, ” Schalke manager Horst Heldt said.

Barnetta played since 2004 for Bayer Leverkusen to score 23 goals in 187 official matches. He is also part of the Swiss national team since 2004 and scored eight goals in 59 international caps.

The Royal Blues finished the season in third position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The 2012-13 Bundesliga will kick off August 25.